Dna/rna pems microcantilever probe for detection of viral infection and detection of genetic variants

Abstract

The present invention relates to a piezoelectric mechanical system (PEMS) microcantilever sensor that both detects the presence of viral RNA in an aqueous solution, such as a blood sample. The method provides for the formation of the sensor by attaching RNA, DNA, or an antibody to the microcantilever sensor surface via a hydrazone or an oxime chemical bond. The method provides for the detection of viral RNA viruses and viral DNA viruses upon the chemical binding/bonding of single-stranded viral nucleic acid to the microcantilever sensor surface. The method provides for the detection of DNA cancer mutations or variants that have been identified in a cancer cell upon the chemical binding/bonding of single-stranded DNA to the microcantilever sensor surface.

Description

(a) TITLE OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention is titled “DNA / RNA PEMS Microcantilever Probe for Detection of Viral Infection and Detection of Genetic Variants”. The DNA / RNA PEMS Microcantilever Probe for Detection of Viral Infection and Detection of Genetic Variants was invented by Cynthia R. Wright, a resident of the United States, with the following residence address: 2112 Springhouse RD, SE, Huntsville, Ala. 35802.(b) CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0002]The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62 / 578,638 filed on Oct. 30, 2017 naming John Bequette and Cynthia R. Wright as co-inventors.(c) STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0003]Not Applicable.(d) THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT[0004]Not applicable.(e) INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM[0005]Not applicable.(f) STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVE...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

ELISA testing is typically unable to detect HIV-1 infection during the first six months following initial infection because antibodies are present in undetectable levels.

ELISA testing is very safe, but a drawing blood for the test may cause a person to feel lightheaded or faint, infection may occur at the site the needle was inserted, bruising at the site the needle was inserted is common, and problems may arise for those on blood thinners or anticoagulant medications.

Additionally, ELISA testing is performed in advanced laboratories and may be cost prohibitive in poor regions of the world.

This process is expensive, requires a lot of lab space, a lot of lab time, and is time consuming.

Additionally, this method requires a blood sample be obtained via veinipuncture, subjecting the patient to the possibility of fainting, infection, bruising, and may not be acceptable for some patients prescribed anticoagulants.

These tests are expensive to perform and require a laboratory setting.

ReEBOV Antigen Rapid Test diagnosis of Ebola virus disease requires transport of venepuncture blood to field biocontainment laboratories for testing by real-time RT-PCR, resulting in delays that complicate patient care and infection control efforts.

The method of identifying the mutated cancer DNA involves many steps including PCR with DNA agarose gel identification, which is time consuming, prone to error, and are labor intensive and time consuming for routine use.

Today, painful biopsy and expensive testing are the only methods utilized for cancer detection.

There does not exists a method of rapid blood screening for the presence of DNA cancer markers in blood.

This method requires an expensive atomic force microscope and highly experienced lab personnel.

This method could not be employed for a large number of tests.

The cantilevers used by Chang are expensive, making the device expensive to the consumer.

This method re

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